Schecter Hellraiser C-8

Schecter claims the Hellraiser’s three-piece mahogany set neck with two carbon-fibre rods makes for extreme playing stability; that the wide-aperture coils of its EMG Active 808s solve the muddiness some eight-strings suffer; and that its Hipshot Custom-8 bridge provides perfect intonation. £1,199 gets you a Floyd Rose- equipped version, too.

Dean USA Rusty Cooley Signature RC8 Xenocide Fanned Fret

Guitar lord Rusty Cooley has pushed the boat out with this 25-only limited-edition eight- string, with industrial sci-fi Red Xenocide finish. An angled tune-o- matic bridge, fanned fret ebony fingerboard and twin EMG 808 humbuckers make for a unique take on the eight-string.

Carvin DC800 Extended Scale 8-String Guitar

Carvin’s first eight-string is available in a wide range of body woods, figured tops, and neck wood types, while new A80 active pickups aim to improve low- register response, and the straight string-pull of the headstock is claimed to reduce string breakage. Comfort contouring promises pleasurable playing, too.